Getting to Know DUI or DWI Conviction

Some serious penalties, such as losing your car insurance coverage or your license, can follow a DWI or DUI conviction. Whether it is called DWI or driving while intoxicated, DUI or driving under the influence and OUI or operating under the influence, this crime, which is popularly recognized as “drunk driving” can give you some serious penalties. In this article, you will learn some helpful tips that can help you whenever you find yourself in this maddening situation. You will also learn about the process that takes place after a DUI, DWI or OIU conviction or arrest, as well as what you should be expecting to happen afterward.

What Happens When You Are Charged With DUI

As a matter of fact, the basics of drunk driving are not that basic. An OUI, DUI, or DWI arrest means you are caught driving a car while you are under the influence of drugs (legal or illegal) and alcohol. In addition, DUI does not always involve a truck or a car. You can also get a DUI while driving other vehicles such as golf carts, ATVs and even bicycles and motorcycles.

In most cases, a DUI starts when an officer pulls an individual over due to impaired or erratic driving. After that, the police officer conducts various chemical and sobriety tests, like the Breathalyzer that measures the BAC or blood-alcohol concentration. These tests will determine whether someone is driving under the influence or not.

Aside from erratic driving, you can also be charged with DUI if you are pulled over for some other reason. However, as long as your blood alcohol concentration is 0.08% or higher, then you can be charged even though your driving was not affected at all.

Remember that in some states, they think that any amount of certain drugs or alcohol in the bloodstream can cause impairment.

OIU, DUI and DWI are not always interchangeable. While it is true that drunk driving usually refers to DWI, OUI or DUI usually depends on the state. For example, in some states, it is only DWI being used. In other states, DWI is only used for people who are driving under the influence of alcohol and DUI is often used to refer to individuals who drive while under the influence of drug. In addition to that, some states use DVI if the BAC of the driver is over the limit, and they use DUI if the driver’s BAC is below the limit. While in other states, DWI charges are sometimes allowed to be reduced to DIU if certain conditions are met.

Do not be surprised if the rates of your car insurance are raised due to a DWI or DUI charge. In addition to this, you should also expect to pay more for your car insurance because of your DUI or DWI conviction. It is because you will now be considered as a high risk driver. After your DUI or DWI conviction, you should also consider shopping around for a new company that can give your car insurance since your current one could possibly drop you once it knows about your conviction. Lastly, your DUI or DWI conviction can also possibly affect your life insurance premiums. It means not all insurance companies think the same way about DWI or DUI, nor do these companies treat all DWI or DUI convictions equally. Because of that, if your driving record before your conviction was spotless, and it was the first you get convicted with DWI or DUI, then your premium payments might only be a little higher compared before.

Regardless of that, one thing that you will have to do after you are convicted with DWI or DUI is to obtain an SR-22 form. It can prove that you currently have liability insurance and that you can be able to get it from your insurance company. While it is not required in all states, it is still required in most states. Only Kentucky, Delaware, New Mexico, Minnesota, Pennsylvania and Oklahoma do not require SR-22 form. This form is often tied to you in order to get your license back.

If the rates of your insurance go up after a DWI or DUI, don’t despair. You can shop around and try to compare quotes from different companies in order to get low rates especially on the expensive kinds of insurance.

DUI or DWI conviction is not an easy process. That is why hiring a professional and trusted Spokane DUI Attorney is recommended in order for you to effectively clear your name and get your license back in no time.

This post is sponsored by A1 Tree Service. Your local tree removal experts.

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